As a writer the easiest thing to write right now would be a string of platitudes echoing popular sentiment concerning which players, coaches, front office personnel, and band members should hit the unemployment line at the end of the season (or sooner). As a fan the easiest thing to write right now would be a string of expletives echoing the string of expletives I unleashed toward my television earlier this afternoon.
I’ve been wracking my brain for a while now, trying to determine the best way to put into words some sort of constructive evaluation of what I saw today. I contemplated a compliment sandwich, but I gave that up when I realized I couldn’t come up with two positives. I thought about cataloging every bad play in detail, but I don’t think I have that much ink in my computer. Ultimately I concluded that there aren’t many conclusions to be drawn that haven’t been drawn before. Chan Gailey is good, but Mike Priefer is bad. We’ll be picking high in the draft, but the pickings will be slim in the free agent pool. Carl Peterson will still be GM. We will not be in the Super Bowl. There are some platitudes that do apply, however, so let’s make use of them.
PLATITUDE #1: GAMES ARE WON AND LOST IN THE TRENCHES
Kansas City registered no sacks, two quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and two passes defensed. I’ve watched the game twice now. The tape confirms that there were indeed players wearing red on the field while Buffalo had the ball, even if the stats indicate otherwise. The problem is simple to diagnose, however. Our linemen engaged their linemen in immediate contact on nearly every play. Since our linebackers no longer blitz, opposing offensive linemen never have to release their principle assignment to block somebody else. Ergo any form of quarterback pressure comes only in the form of superhuman feats of strength or mistakes in blocking assignments.
I am in no way exonerating Gunther Cunningham, but I have to believe this is not the vision he has for this defense. The departure of Jared Allen is not the entirety of what crippled our pass rush. What crippled our pass rush is the departure of the blitz. Last year our starting linebackers combined for 7.5 sacks. This year they’ve accounted for 2.0. Gunther is a blitzing coordinator. He’s also a linebacker man. So why are ours doing so little? We speak so much of our offense being Hermcuffed. Is it possible that our head coach is an equal opportunity handicapper?
Gun will likely find himself out of work at the end of this season. This time there will be no welcome back party three years later. He’ll step foot in Arrowhead again only on the away team’s sideline, and, much like Mike Solari, it probably won’t be as a coordinator. I don’t know how much blame Herm deserves in all of this, but I do find it curious that only one of the five coordinators he parted ways with ever again found work as a coordinator. Something is rotten in Denmark.
Meanwhile, Buffalo registered three sacks, three quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, and six passes defensed. Offenses should crumble in the face of such adversity. Ours didn’t quite, but it didn’t hold together either. On paper the stats look good. We scored 31 points. Tyler Thigpen posted an 85.4 passer rating. Quinn Gray posted 145.8. Both Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles averaged 11 yards per carry. Four players had touchdown receptions. So what the hell happened? Here’s what….
PLATITUDE #2: WIN THE TURNOVER RATIO, WIN THE GAME
I know this hasn’t been the case for the Chiefs thus far this season, but maybe that’s attributable to other extenuating circumstances. Maybe for this team the platitude should be modified to “win the turnover ratio, avoid being embarrassed.” Three lost fumbles and two interceptions led to an abysmal time of possession (24:23). I won’t make the argument here that the defense got tired as a result because the defense didn’t play appreciably worse in the 4th quarter. Actually the 23 points scored in the 2nd quarter puts the kibosh on that line of reasoning.
But the flip side of that coin is this: if the offense isn’t on the field, they can’t score points. There’s no denying this offense can score points. I think they could put up arena league numbers under the right circumstances. I’m excited to see what Thigpen will do to Denver in two weeks. I’m sure he’s excited too–for once he’ll stand a halfway decent chance of not getting sacked. I think we have one of the better core groups of skill players in the league, and with a couple of upgrades on the offensive line I think we could return to glory sooner rather than later. But the offense has to be on the field to score. That means the defense has to force more three and outs, but it also means our young players can’t make boneheaded plays.
PLATITUDE #3: FIELD POSITION IS EVERYTHING
Bobby April is the best special teams coach in the NFL. I have as much admiration for him as I do for some of our better players. He could have taken the week off had he wanted to. His presence was not needed, but it was felt nonetheless. Buffalo’s average starting point was their 48. Ours was our 26. That was because we were turning the ball over and punting from our endzone, right? Nope. Discounting everything except kickoffs, their average starting point was their 41. Ours was our 25.
Mike Priefer must have been feeling the weight of the Chiefs nation on his shoulders, because Bob Gretz was called upon to write a piece in his defense earlier this week.
It didn’t help.
PLATITUDE #4: FIRE MIKE PRIEFER
Okay, that’s not a real football platitude, but it needed to be said. I believe in integrity in journalism.
Speaking of taking an Atlas pose, I’m beginning to see exactly what happened to Tamba Hali. He’s expected to be someone he’s not. He is not now, nor will he ever be Jared Allen. He is Tamba Hali. But now he’s a shell of his former self because he appears to be second guessing his instincts. He gets locked up too easily, changes direction to pursue receivers rather than going after the quarterback, and takes bad angles against linemen who are three or four inches taller than him. He still wins that battle often enough to be an effective defensive end, but he’s being asked to do it alone. Last year he had Jared Allen on the other side and either Derrick Johnson or Donnie Edwards behind him. Presently he has none of those luxuries, and nobody fears the awesome pass rush of Wallace Gilberry and Demorrio Williams. I hope that in the near future Chiefs fans will show him some leniency. Likewise, I hope that in the near future Chiefs coaches will show him some support.
PLATITUDE #5: SUPPORT YOUR TEAM, FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Now would be an easy time to jump ship. Now would be an easy time to stop attending games or turning off the television at halftime. Now would be an easy time to stop wearing red on Fridays in hopes of avoiding the jeers of your coworkers. Do none of the above. Instead, go to the game with a bag on your head. Speak ill of King Carl and his spray tan. Be harsh but fair in your criticism of the organization, but don’t withdraw your support from the players. They’re already demoralized. However nauseated you felt after watching what might amount to the worst loss in franchise history, I guarantee you there are 45 proud men wearing red who walked off that field with the same feeling, only tenfold. And tomorrow morning while you’re at work, they’ll be at work too, watching this game over and over, reliving every misstep a dozen times or more.
So listen to me and do as you’re told: even when it hurts, bleed red and gold.
Also, for those of you who are angry with me for referencing a Jimmy Buffet song in the title, trust me…. you’re nowhere near as angry with me as I am with myself.
It is the year of “Change”. Herm needs to do us Chiefs fans a favor, and change his “latitude”–like go coach a division rival (maybe Oakland). After achieving yet another Chiefs record this week, giving up 54 points at home, he still won’t take any responsibility. I suppose some of his supporters will come out and say, at least we scored 31 points, the offense looked good (even though we had 5 turnovers). Or they will make the excuse that we have too many injuries. The fact is we lost again.
When asked about the coaching position at SDSU, he replied something like “I have a college team, I’m coaching this one”. I wonder how LJ, DJ, DE and TG feel about playing on a “college team” as their head coach calls it. I’m sure the local media will let him off on that comment. I would think LJ would be more upset about that one than the diaper comment by DV. The media runs this country, they can get anyone elected or fired, loved or hated, that they want. I guess they want Herm to be the coach, because they let him off the hook every week.
Comment by Jeff in VA — November 26, 2008 @ 7:25 am
Nathan, I agree with most of what you said. I disagree with the bag over your head comment. I live out-of-state and still proudly were my Chiefs stuff. I just prepare myself for all the wise cracks I am going to have to take. No need to hide your face at the game, no one is watching it anyway.
Comment by Jeff in VA — November 26, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Clark Hunt is the worst owner in football,Carl Peterson is the worst GM in football,30+ million dollars under the salery cap.Know wonder we suck it would be nice if these two ASSHOLES would actully get Herm some real players and not some cast offs from other teams.There so bad ill watch at home with a paper bag on.Fuck Off Clark Hunt.
Comment by chris — November 26, 2008 @ 9:51 am
1-20 in the last 21 games! How does Herm keep his job? I do not understand this. It must be deliberate.
Comment by Glen — November 26, 2008 @ 9:54 am
Great article Nathan! I too will bleed Red and Gold, in the good and bad times, as long as I live. To use a bible verse – Hebrews 11:1(The Message translation)
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
We as fans have faith in what is going on at this time and don’t truly know what the future holds for our beloved Chiefs but when it all comes together, I believe sooner than later, only the TRUE fans can look back and really enjoy the sweetness of every victory the Chiefs will have after having to go through these hard times.
Comment by robert — November 26, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Are you serious?
Comment by chris — November 26, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
This must be at least the 5th time this year that someone has said that this lose could be the worst in Chiefs history. How many worst loses can Herm be in charge of and keep his job. I would have been fired from my job long ago if i perform like he does.
Comment by Bryan — November 26, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Chris
I understand your anger and frustration, but not sure I agree with the direction it is focused. Clark is really a first year owner, learning along the way. Unfortunately, this scenario was probably necessary in order for him to have the balls to make the changes needed. I do agree with the CP statement, but do you really believe that our roster has such limited talent that Herm isn’t responsible for the end result?
I believe we have struggled far more from decision making than actual execution. True, the execution has not always been there, but it seems that there are examples in every game in which Herm has made a questionable call. Some have been offensive, some defensive, some regarding time management, or challenging a call (like Sunday).
I too believe in supporting our team and the players. Not sure I believe in going to the games, as much as I love Arrowhead. The most obvious objection fans can make is not paying for tickets or showing up to games. When revenue starts to slide, because it is a business, it forces management and ownership to take notice.
Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving.
Comment by Travis — November 26, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
I have been a Die hard fan for 19 seasons now and the fact that we have only won one game in the last 19 is very hard to swallow. But I too have faith in God and faith in this team. The Chiefs are like a marriage for good times and bad for sickness and blah blah. Anyways this team is young and they look like a unpolished diamond in the rough. This is the early 90s repeating itself. Our D is going to be the shit soon. Remember the cowboys went 1-15 in 1990-91. 11-5 in 1991-92 and won back to back Superbowls in 93 ans 94. My point is all good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue and Damn it Fire the Devil of this organization Carl Peterson. King Carl is the Dumbshit that makes the behind the scenes calling the shots by letting the media attack Herm every Sunday. Put King Carl on the interviews but he is too chicken shit to face the music. Look in the 20 years he has been here at all the talent he has broght here and we should have been to the superbowl at least once by now. Clark Hunt needs to become a cut throat unlike his Father a well respected man but put aside his personal feelings with peterson and cut a man loose. King Carl has become dead weight and he is bringing us all down with him. I see it and I know all chiefs fans see it i am keeping it real so sorry Peterson You are the Goerge Bush of GMs and it is time for a change in 2009 for america it is time for a change at GM in KC. GO CHIEFS Love yall No matter what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Adam Meyer — November 26, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
Well the 2008 season is a bust. For a coach that calls plays to win, he doesn’t (look how the Jets ended up under his watch). Herm may be a good man, however, the Chiefs are playing like Chefs under his command. After the season the ownership needs to cut Herm lose and hire a proven winner, Bill Cowher. After Coach Cowher left the Chiefs to become Head coach of the Steelers, they have had one of the best defenses for since. Under Cowher, the Steelers were at the top or close to it and made it to the Super Bowl (twice) and won once. Under Herm the Chiefs will never make it even close. Additionally Chan Gailey was once the Off. Coordinator under Cowher before leaving for Dallas to be their Head Coach. Coach Cowher is a Win Win for the team and will make the Chiefs again feared and unbeatable at Arrowhead.
Comment by DG — November 29, 2008 @ 11:19 am
Well the 2008 season is a bust. For a coach that calls plays to win, he doesn’t (look how the Jets ended up under his watch). Herm may be a good man, however, the Chiefs are playing like Chefs under his command. After the season the ownership needs to cut Herm lose and hire a proven winner, Bill Cowher. After Coach Cowher left the Chiefs to become Head coach of the Steelers, they have had one of the best defenses since. Under Cowher, the Steelers were at the top or close to it and made it to the Super Bowl (twice) and won once. Under Herm the Chiefs will never make it even close. Additionally Chan Gailey was once the Off. Coordinator under Cowher before leaving for Dallas to be their Head Coach. Coach Cowher is a Win, Win for the team and will make the Chiefs again feared and unbeatable at Arrowhead.
Comment by DG — November 29, 2008 @ 11:21 am
I wish you people would get rid of the hard on you have for Cowher, as long as Carl and Clark are in charge of this organization it doesn’t matter not one damned bit who the HC is.
Now let it frickin’ rest, will ya!?!?
Comment by Kansas City Krusher — November 29, 2008 @ 3:46 pm